Didier Drogba should not be restricted to ‘role with a tie on’… his experience would help players, says Guus Hiddink

Guus Hiddink does not want Didier Drogba to be a club ambassador
He would prefer if Drogba was in a role where he could coach players
Hiddink was keen to stress that Drogba is employed by Montreal Impact

Published:
17:13 GMT, 30 December 2015

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Updated:
17:14 GMT, 30 December 2015

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Guus Hiddink has once again reiterated his intention of bringing Didier Drogba back to Chelsea as a part of his coaching team.

Reports had suggested that Drogba could be employed as a club ambassador but Chelsea’s interim boss believes he deserves a bigger role at Stamford Bridge.

Hiddink, speaking ahead of Chelsea’s next match against Crystal Palace on Sunday, was also keen to stress that Drogba remains a Montreal Impact player.

Didier Drogba sat between Guus Hiddink and Roman Abramovich at Stamford Bridge earlier this month

Chelsea interim manager Hiddink struck up a warm relationship with Drogba during his spell in 2009

‘A few days ago before the Sunderland game I said that those rare kind of former players with this status would be very good for any club to have,’ said Hiddink.

‘Especially him because he’s a Chelsea legend, but for the moment we have to respect his contract with Montreal.

‘It depends on the player himself, you need to give them time and opportunities to find out what the best is for them.

‘It may be on the coaching staff or maybe as an ambassador, but that is too official and functional for me. They need to go into the squad and help players with their experience.

‘I am not in favour of a big ambassador role – travelling round the world with a tie on. They must give their huge experience to help especially the young kids and helping older ones with problems in their career.’

Drogba, 37, joined MLS outfit Montreal Impact in the summer after ending his second spell at Stamford Bridge following Chelsea’s Premier League title win.